Warning signs of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying impacts at least one out of every five primary and high school students. Many of those who experience it don’t tell anyone. If a child displays any of these signs, he or she might be involved.

However, not all youngsters who are cyberbullied or who cyberbully others will display these signs, and someone who does not show these signs may have other problems in their lives that should be addressed. Take time to investigate further if you see any red flags:

A child may be a target of cyberbullying if he or she:

unexpectedly stops using their device(s)

appears nervous or jumpy when using their device(s)

appears uneasy about going to school or outside in general

appears to be angry, depressed or frustrated after going online (including gaming)

Is oversleepingOr not sleeping at all

Becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members

Shows increase or decrease in eating

Seems regularly depressed

Makes parsing statements about suicide or the meaninglessness of life

Loses interest in the things that matter most to them

Avoids discussions about what they are doing online

Frequently calls or texts from school requesting to go home ill

Desires to spend much more time with parents rather than peers

Becomes unusually secretive especially when it comes to online activities

A child may be Cyberbullying others if he or she:

quickly switches screens or hides their device when you’re close by

uses a device at or hours of the night

gets usually upset if they cannot use the device

laughs excessively while using the device and won’t show you what is so funny

avoids discussions about what they’re doing online

seems to be using multiple online accounts or an account that is not their own

is dealing with increased behavioural issues or disciplinary actions at school or elsewhere

appears of you concerned with popularity of continued presence in a particular social circles status